FCC order would give telecoms access to local sports nets

Telecoms that have petitioned the FCC for access to sports programming exclusive to cable companies could be on the verge of winning an important victory at the agency. The FCC's Media Bureau is expected to release an order today that would change a loophole in the law that allows cable companies to withhold local sports channels that are delivered terrestrially rather than by satellite. In a statement, Verizon Communications hailed the move, saying it will offer more choice to consumers.